SMC Discussion Areas

I though you might find this interesting, it's from the TI internal news network. Certainly not vintage.

February 8, 2002
TI RFID Systems Partners With Coca-Cola and Stitch Networks to Offer Wireless, Cashless Access to Vending Machines at the 2002 Winter Games

While competing with the world's most elite athletes, 2002 Winter Olympians will quench their thirst with free Cokes using Texas Instruments RFID technology.

Throughout the Salt Lake City Village, Stitch Networks made it possible for 150 Coca-Cola vending machines to house TI-RFID readers that will provide 5,500 athletes, coaches and officials with complimentary beverages with a simple wave of their tiny, Coke bottle-shaped key ring tags. The devices will be used inside the Village, at training venues, and in athlete lounges to make free refreshment available quickly and conveniently-without paying.

Each Coke bottle transponder contains a TI-RFID computer chip, which holds a unique preprogrammed identification number. When athletes approach an RFID-equipped vending machine, they present their key ring to the RFID reader and instantly receive beverages without having to pull out cash. The system recognizes the RFID signal, authorizes the transaction, and provides athletes with the free soda courtesy of Coca-Cola.

Using Texas Instruments RFID technology, retailers provide quicker, more convenient service and build stronger customer loyalty. Introduced at ExxonMobil fuel pumps, TI-RFID technology is speeding retail gasoline and product purchases for more than 6 million Speedpass™ customers.

More recently, the TI RFID business has moved into new retail markets including convenience stores, quick-service restaurants, vending machines and apparel. McDonald's, Tricon (Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut), Canteen, and the Gap, are among the companies testing TI-RFID as a fast, convenient way of providing products or services to customers while alleviating the hassles of paying with cash or credit. The TI technology enables retailers, like Coca-Cola, to easily identify individual purchasers and create powerful customer loyalty and giveaway recognition programs.